Equestrian Tbourida or Fantasia festival is one of the most authentic cultural phenomena in Morocco and a serious sport for the rural Berbers. The traditional equestrian competition was made famous by the French artists Eugène Delacroix who immortalized it in his painting Fantasia Arabe in 1833. In 2019, Tbourida was nominated to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Tbourida features a few competitions with traditional weapons. All riders wear Berber clothes. The teams represent various villages and have to compete in the synchronicity of riding the horses and shooting the gunpowder jezail muskets well above their heads. To win the annual competition between different villages means getting the cash prize and the bragging rights. Visitors can see the Arab horse Fantasia or Tbourida during several equestrian events, including the seasonal Moussem religious festivities that happen every year.
Tan-Tan Moussem (July 2024)
The Moussem of Tan-Tan is the gathering of nomadic tribes of the Sahara, held in the desert town of Tan-Tan, located in the region of Guelmim-Oued Noun in southwestern Morocco. Hundreds of tents are set up in the desert, as more than thirty tribes from all over northwest Africa get together to trade foods, arrange camel and horse-breeding competitions, celebrate weddings, and socialize. The festival features musical performances, parades, chanting, games, poetry, and other Hassane Arab traditions. The Tbourida is usually performed at the opening the festival. Being one of the main highlights of Tan-Tan Moussem, the Tbourida showcases the skills of Berber riders. The first Moussem was held in 1963. It doesn't have a set date. In past years, the festival was held in July, May, and September.
Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida (September 30-October 6, 2024)
Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida is one of the major equestrian events in Morocco. The Grand Prize of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Tbourida is one of the highlights of the Salon. Every region of the country is represented by a team called "Sorba," made up of the best riders and horses. Riders use high-quality harnesses that reflect the artisanal know-how of Moroccan craftsmen. Tbourida is one of the most awaited activities for visitors.
Trophée Hassan II des arts équestres traditional (June 2024)
The annual Tbourida competition also takes place at Royal Complexe des Sports Equestres Dar Es Salam, in Rabat every June. Teams representing over 20 towns and villages of Morocco compete for the royal trophy: Trophée Hassan II des arts équestres traditional. The competition is organized by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRMSE), under the Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI. The participants include eighteen senior sorbas (17 years and over) and six junior sorbas (12 to 16 years old), competing over four days. The final phases are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday to determine which Sorba will win the trophy.
